This book investigates the practical applications of functional grammar, exploring both its descriptive capabilities and its utility in computational linguistics. Mike Hannay, a noted linguist, presents a framework for understanding language structure through the lens of function, drawing on extensive research and case studies. The work details how functional grammar can be applied to analyze and process language computationally, offering insights into sentence generation, parsing, and semantic representation. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical linguistic models and their implementation in computer systems.

The book is positioned within the 'Functional grammar series,' suggesting a specialized academic audience interested in linguistic theory and its practical implementation. Its focus on both descriptive and computational applications indicates a text aimed at researchers and practitioners in linguistics and computer science. The inclusion of 'Applications' in the title implies a pragmatic approach, likely detailing methodologies and potential uses rather than purely theoretical discourse.